It is also known as “Master Gland”, because it controls the hormone secretion by the other endocrine cells. Under the hypothalamus, the pituitary is located on the brain’s inferior skin. Because it controls the hormone system and sends hypothalamic messages, the pituitary is considered the master gland (Spielman et. al., 2002). Other than controlling the excretion hormones from other organs, the pituitary produces growth hormones, endorphins, and many important chemicals to regulate body fluid balance.
The pituitary gland produces antidiuretic hormone, ADH (antidiuretic hormone). It acts as a significant vasoconstrictor and stimulates blood vessel contraction. Vasopressors are essential for controlling the blood pressure in America, especially in small arteries. ADH may also be known as vasopressin. Bayram-Weston, 202. A decreased ADH production can lead to diabetes insipidus (DI). DI individuals have highly concentrated urine which can lead to renal failure. Two lobes make up the pituitary, the anterior and posterior. The posterior lobe, in essence, is an appendix to the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland’s posterior lobe is responsible for the storage and production of ADH as well as oxytocin. ADH is responsible for the regulation of blood pressure, bodily fluids, and other important functions. Oxytocin on the contrary is needed to initiate sexual desire, form romantic partnerships and build a bond between mother and child.
The pituitary’s anterior lobe derives its name from the endothelium found in the ridge that runs into the skull. The anterior lobe also contains growth hormone which is essential for bone and muscle development. TSH is responsible for controlling the hormone release. Essential for the maintenance of metabolic function, hormones produced by the thyroid gland must be released. Adrenocorticotropic hormonal (ACTH), is needed to activate the adrenal gland’s production of cortisol. Knight, 202 Follicle-stimulating Hormone is crucial for sexual activity. The hormone stimulates both the production of sperm in men and women (Knight, 2002). The luteinizing hormone plays a crucial role in initiating women’s menstruation by creating estrogen and helping to create testosterone in males. Prolactin plays an important role in homeostasis and breast milk production as well as the development of breastfeeding mothers. Endorphins and pain relief chemicals are created by the pituitary cells. The beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone is essential for the release of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
The pituitary is known as the “master gland” because of its vital function within the body. The pituitary gland plays a vital role in the body and can cause malfunctions that affect the brain, skin, moods, reproductive function, growth, and mood. The gland generates hormones and encourages other glands to produce them. It is sometimes harmful for other bodily systems, and benign growth is the reason. It is obvious that the importance of pituitary hormones can be seen in disorders like diabetes, hypogonadism (deficiency for testosterone hormone), Cushing Syndrome, and empty-sella syndrome.